Agenda item

The Committee considered a joint report of the Director of Public Health, Communities, Law and Governance and the Director of Growth, Environment and Transport the purpose of which was to update the Committee on the progress to date made against actions within the Air Quality and Health Partnership Action Plan 2024-28. A copy of the report, marked ‘Agenda Item 10’, is filed with these minutes.

Arising from discussion, the following points were raised:

(i)      Members requested clarification regarding what relevance population-weighted air quality data has and how mortality statistics were derived. Officers explained that population weighted data was relevant to understanding the impacts of an air quality issue not just the presence of poor air quality. The impact of poor air quality will be higher in populated areas. It was explained that mortality figures were based on robust modelled data rather than death certificates, representing a probability-based estimate of health impacts rather than the actual number of individuals affected.

(ii)    The Committee raised concerns about physical barriers which discouraged active travel, such as difficult-to-cross roundabouts. It was noted that the Local Highways Authority was reluctant to intervene and alter Highways infrastructure where there was no record of any accidents taking place at a particular site. It was explained that in the circumstances where resources are limited investment in infrastructure has to be prioritised and safety if the top priority. This is why requests have often been refused in the past where there is limited funding for highways infrastructure. However, officers confirmed that in light of the recent award of Local Transport Grant, the Council was in the process of being able to include a more diverse programme of activities. This includes intervention strategies that supported safer routes, particularly for school children.

(iii)   The Committee discussed the role of schools in changing travel behaviours and the challenges schools faced with resourcing and whether this could impact on making the changes suggested, leading to a focus on a smaller number of active pilot projects. The Committee requested specific information regarding the number of participating schools and details on air quality objectives in line with World Health Organisation targets. It was agreed that further information would be circulated to Members after the meeting.

(iv)   Members queried whether existing school bus eligibility criteria contributed to increased traffic by forcing parents to drive children who lived just outside the transport threshold. It was noted that current budget pressures limited changes to such policies, though the Authority remained open to exploring commercially viable or coordinated solutions in response to local demand.

(v)    Members of the Committee highlighted the impacts of major housing and industrial developments on air quality across communities in Leicestershire. Members expressed concern about dust and HGV movements near residential areas and schools. It was confirmed that while construction management plans were required during the planning phase, enforcement largely rested with district authorities.

(vi)   Concerns were raised about the amount of new housing estates that were being constructed, particularly in the North West Leicestershire area, which was leading to an increase in air pollution. A Member suggested that air quality monitoring should be required at the access points of large new housing estates. In response it was explained  that although this would not be the best place to do such measurements, there were restrictions on the types of planning conditions that could be imposed and they had to be proportionate to the development, there could be potential to explore how such data could be captured and used to track cumulative impacts on the highways network.

The Lead Member for Environment and Transport highlighted that to have lasting change, it was important to address children walking to and from school and making this accessible for parents and families from new developments.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.